Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has become a hot commodity in the transfer market, with multiple clubs in Europe and the Saudi Pro League expressing their interest in signing him, according to a source familiar with the situation.
De Gea has been without a club since his departure from Old Trafford last summer. Despite receiving numerous offers over the past seven months, he has yet to find a new home. The Spanish international’s decision to reject an approach from the Saudi Pro League (SPL) in the summer hinted at his preference for a European move. However, recent discussions with Al Shabab, a club within the SPL, have indicated that he is open to considering a move to the Middle East.
After 12 years at Manchester United, De Gea decided to leave the club due to a failure to reach an agreement on a new contract. The club was eager to secure his services, even proposing a reduced salary following the arrival of new manager Erik ten Hag’s pursuit of André Onana as the new first-choice goalkeeper. However, a deal could not be reached, leading to De Gea’s departure from the club.
Al Shabab’s Ambitions
Currently sitting 11th in the SPL table, Al-Shabab has made ambitious moves in recent times. The club attempted to hire Jose Mourinho as their manager and sign Miguel Almirón from Newcastle United this month, showcasing their determination to improve their squad. The potential signing of De Gea would undoubtedly be a major coup for the club and further bolster their ambitions.
Potential Interest in Andreas Pereira
In addition to De Gea, SPL clubs have also shown interest in Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira, as per another source. The Brazilian international has made a significant impact since joining Fulham from Manchester United for a reported fee of £10 million ($12.7 million) in 2022. With four assists in the current Premier League season and six assists last season, Pereira has caught the attention of clubs in Saudi Arabia. However, Fulham is unlikely to let the 28-year-old midfielder leave without a significant fee, as he is under contract until 2026 with an option for another year.
As the transfer saga continues, David de Gea finds himself at the center of attention, attracting interest from both European clubs and the Saudi Pro League. While the Spanish goalkeeper initially leaned towards a European move, discussions with Al Shabab suggest he is open to the idea of playing in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Andreas Pereira’s impressive performances at Fulham have also caught the eye of SPL clubs. It remains to be seen where De Gea and Pereira will ultimately end up, but their availability has undoubtedly sparked excitement among potential suitors.